Havering’s first Dementia cafe has opened in Harold Hill providing fantastic support for all the community. The cafe is open once a month on the last Thursday of each month and is taking place at Romford Care Home on Farringdon Avenue.

The idea came after lockdown and was the brainchild of Tracy Smith the care home’s Customer Relations Manager. Tracy told the Havering Daily: “90% of our residents here have Dementia and we have the space for people to come in and meet our residents or to pop along and chat with our staff. Our aim is to build a community for people who look after those with Dementia or suffer with Dementia. It is an avenue for people to come and talk and share their concerns.”

The care home has trained staff on hand to chat with locals as well as their very own pastry chef who is supplying the community with freshly made scones and other mouthwatering delights.

“Our next cafe day is Thursday 31 March between 2-4pm, we invite the community to come along and see us. Families of those suffering with Dementia are often forgotten and something needs to be done to support them. They often struggle in silence, so having a cafe like this provides them with a platform for them to talk to others and get support.”

The first event took place last month and was officially opened by Havering’s Mayor Councillor John Mylod.

Home Manager Michelle di Bella told the Havering Daily: ”We are delighted at Romford Care Home to offer this service within the local community, as this is something very close to all of our hearts. This will I’m sure help and support not only those living with dementia but also their relatives an carers”

This is a fantastic community event that will really help families who are struggling.

- The Havering Daily 10/03/22